Michigan 2026 Window Tint Laws

Michigan Tint Laws
Front Windshield Top 4 inches
Front Side Windows Top 4 inches
Back Side Windows No restrictions
Rear Windshield No restrictions
VLT = Visible Light Transmission percent
5% (limo) 85% (factory) 50% 70%

Quick summary: Michigan tint laws allow front windshield and front side windows tint only on top 4 inches. All windows behind driver can have any darkness.

Michigan tint laws primarily regulate the darkness, but also specify other rules and regulations you need to know about such as reflectiveness or color restrictions. All laws are explained further below.

Window Tint Darkness in Michigan

Window tint darkness is measured in VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percent. VLT indicates how much light passes through both the film and the glass.

Drag the blue slider above to preview tint darkness. In most real world cases, applied tint will appear 10-20% darker compared to our tool.

See: VLT explained with chart and darkness examples

How dark can your window tint be in Michigan?

Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Michigan (MI), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.

Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
  • Front side windows: Any darkness can be applied on top 4 inches.
  • Back side windows: Any darkness can be used.
  • Rear window: Any darkness can be used.

Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.

Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles (MPV):

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
  • Front side windows: Any darkness can be applied on top 4 inches.
  • Back side windows: Any darkness can be used.
  • Rear window: Any darkness can be used.

Multi-purpose vehicles include: SUV, pickup, van, truck, RV, and minibus.

What is AS-1 line?

AS-1 line typically extends between 4 and 6 inches parallel to the top of your windshield. AS-1 designation line is typically marked by glass manufacturer on the top edge of your windshield.

Tinted AS-1 line on windshield

Depending on vehicle, your AS-1 strip may already be tinted. In most states windshield tint must not have any reflectiveness, and illegal colors typically include blue and red.

Some state tint laws specify exact number of inches you are allowed to tint on front windshields. Other states define this windscreen area simply as an AS-1 line. Learn more about AS-1 Line.

Vehicle Classification: Passenger or MPV?

Federal vehicle ID label found on driver's front door frame will tell you whether your vehicle is classified as passenger or multi purpose vehicle.

  • Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
  • Multi-purpose vehicles include: SUV, pickup, van, truck, RV, trailer, bus and minibus.

In most states vehicles fall under these two categories.

Other Michigan Tinting Rules & Regulations:

Other laws, rules and regulations in Michigan include the following:

Tint Reflectiveness
Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Side Mirrors
Dual outside rearview mirrors are required when back windshield is tinted.
Restricted Colors
Silver and gold reflective film is banned on side windows.
Film Certification & Approval
Film manufacturers do NOT need to certify the film they sell in Michigan.
Stickers & Labels
MI laws do not require a sticker to identify legal tinting.

Medical Exemptions

Medical exemptions for window tint can be granted in Michigan. Vehicle owners must have a letter signed by a physician or optometrist stating the special window treatment is medically required.

Michigan law under MCL 257.709 does not require a separate state-level approval or special sticker from the Secretary of State; the signed doctor’s letter serves as the authorization. The statement must be in vehicle at all times and given to police officers during traffic stops.

Quick FAQs

What are illegal tint penalties and fines in Michigan?

An illegal window tint in Michigan is classified as a civil equipment infraction (under MCL 257.709) rather than a moving violation, meaning it results in zero points on your driver’s license.

Fines typically range from $70 to $111 (e.g., around $70–$95 for the basic citation, or roughly $110–$111 total including court and local costs).

Many courts and local agencies will waive or dismiss the fine if you remove the illegal tint (or bring the vehicle into compliance), have the fix signed off by a law officer, and present proof to the court within a specific window (often 10 calendar days).


Our tint laws strictly reference official sources. You are welcome to verify data in official state laws linked below, or get in touch with your local DMV or police department to make sure you are not breaking Michigan window tinting laws, rules and regulations.